Will Switching From a Drop Axle to a Straight Axle Increase Tire Clearance

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Question:

Thanks Conner for that valuable information. I have another question. Would you help me figure out why my concession trailer is 3/4” lower on one side than the other. I have ruled out the tires because they are the same height. The leave springs are not that old so I don’t think there is any sag there. What could I do to correct this? Thanks

asked by: Charlie

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Expert Reply:

The 175/80-13 tire that you have now is 24" diameter x 6.9" wide and the new 225/75-15 tire is 28.3" diameter x 8.9" wide. Therefore, the new tire size will be 4.3" larger in overall diameter and 2" larger in overall width. However, you will only need to account for half of each measurement so 2.15" for diameter and 1" for width.

The conversion from the 4" drop axle you have now to a straight axle is actually going to bring the spindle down in line with the axle which means you are actually going to have more tire to fender clearance with the new axle than you did with the old drop axle.

I have attached a list of our 6,000 lb trailer axles as well as our 225/75-15 wheel/tire combos for you as well. If you can tell me the spring center and hub face measurement of your axle then I would be glad to see if we have a match for you. For example, the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles part # 8327830 has a 74" spring center and 89" hub face measurement. If you were to add the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-458-459 with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # 8-201-9UC3-EZ you could then use Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2" - Load Range E Item # AM32680, which is rated at 2,830 lbs and has an 81 mph speed rating.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Charlie

1/31/2019

Thanks Conner for that valuable information. I have another question. Would you help me figure out why my concession trailer is 3/4” lower on one side than the other. I have ruled out the tires because they are the same height. The leave springs are not that old so I don’t think there is any sag there. What could I do to correct this? Thanks

Reply

Conner L.

1/31/2019

Are both tires filled to the same psi? I would check this first but if they are and you have the same leaf spring hangers on either side height wise then the only other component that could be causing this are the leaf springs. It is also rather hard to just look at a leaf spring and determine whether or not it needs replacing. However, a trailer sagging to one side is almost always a tell tale sign of worn leaf springs. The good news is that they are relatively inexpensive and rather easy to change. It just requires a bit of work to make sure you get the correct ones. In order to be sure you get the correct one you will first need to measure the width and then if at all possible remove it from the trailer and measure from the center of one end to the center of the other. If you can provide me with this info I would be glad to make a recommendation otherwise, I have attached a list of options for you. The combined weight capacity will need to be similar to that of the axle.

Reply

Answer 1

If you give me the tapered spindle measurements like in the attached photo, I can help you get the replacement hubs you need. I need the measurements at letter B where the seal sits, letter C where the inner bearing rides, and letter D where the…

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Answer 2

I looked through our selection of hubs and hub/drums, and couldn't find anything compatible with the bearings you mentioned. This leaves you with two alternatives. Number one would be to cut off your existing spindles and install spindles…

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Answer 3

You can certainly replace your existing 2,500 pound axles with 3,500 pound axles. If your trailer is not already wired for electric brakes and you want to add them, you will need to wire the trailer for electric brakes. I have attached a help article…

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Answer 4

That does make sense. We don't have an exact replacement for your application but if you check out the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4" Drop E-Z Lube Spindles #7685269 you can see that it has 95" hub-face and 80" spring-center…

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Answer 5

When selecting the correct replacement axle for a utility trailer you will need to know both the hub face (wheel center) and spring center measurements. For example, if your current hub face measurement is 88" and you replace this with an axle…

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Answer 6

What you're looking for is an 86-1/2" long replacement axle. Since you will need new hubs and drums, along with brakes, I recommend getting the #8327816-EB. This has a 71-1/2" spring center length so you will also need to cut off the…

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Answer 7

Ff the springs you are installing are 25-1/4 inches, you would need to place the hangers between 24-3/4 and 25 inches apart. The shackle should be angled as the drawing shows in the attached helpful article, which should be toward the rear of the…

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Answer 8

Many of the ball mounts we offer that we offer that fit 2 inch receivers like part #2753 which has a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop, that are designed to be able to use in a rise or drop position by simply turning it upside down, without losing any…

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Answer 9

It is highly recommended that the spring seat be at minimum tack welded to the axle. There have been issues that have resulted from the seat not be welded to the axle. If you do not have access to a welder, I recommend taking the trailer to a local…

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Answer 10

I would love to help but we do not have any trailer hubs that correspond to the dimensions that you provided. Therefore, the only option we can offer you would be to replace the axle all together. In order to offer a replacement for this we would…

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Answer 11

Suspension bolts are not designed to be torqued down tightly as this prevents the suspension from being able to move like it needs to be able to do. So the included solution with the kit part #AP233 is the lock nuts of the kit. The nuts have nylock…

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Answer 12

The equalizers in trailer suspension hanger kit #AP233 are 5-3/4 inches long measured from the center of one spring eye to the center of the other spring eye. I have included a picture illustrating this for you.

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Will Switching From a Drop Axle to a Straight Axle Increase Tire Clearance

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